By joshua 
COMMUNIQUÉ ON YAGBA CONCERNED CITIZENS’ LEADERSHIP, SECURITY, AND POLITICAL SUMMIT
1.0. INTRODUCTION
1.1. The Yagba Concerned Citizens organized a 2-day summit on leadership, security, and political matters concerning the people of Yagba Land. The summit was held virtually from Saturday, February 8th to Sunday, February 9th, 2025.
1.2. The objective of the summit was to enhance understanding among stakeholders and the public regarding the impact of leadership, security, and politics on development.
Through interactive sessions and sub-committee discussions, the summit focused on addressing the effects of insecurity and other pressing issues affecting Yagba Land.
1.3. The summit was successfully attended by academicians, professionals, political and traditional leaders, representatives of non-indigenes, union leaders, community representatives, and students, among others. They deliberated on key concerns and the way forward for the development of the people of Yagba Land.
The resource persons included Hon. Abidemi Adeyemi, Director of Finance at the Nigeria Niger River Basin, Mr. Lawrence Adenipekun, PhD, Department of Political Science at Afe-Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Chief Olure Peter Olawale, CEO of Five Os Security Nigeria Limited.
1.4. The welcome address was delivered by the Convener/Chairman of the Yagba Concerned Citizens, Chief Olure Peter Olawale.
Remarks were also made by Dr. O.A. Abe, Engr. A. Oludoyi, Madam Seke Ampitan, Mr. Ayodele Aina and Pastor Olugbenga Alege, among others.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prince Babajide Iletogun, Retired Director, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.
2.0. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
The summit emphasized the need for effective leadership to drive sustainable development in the Yagba region. It was acknowledged that leadership must be inclusive, transparent, and accountable, reflecting the diversity of the constituency and ensuring equitable representation across all regions.
2.1. RECOMMENDATIONS ON LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE INCLUDES:
Following thorough deliberations on leadership and governance, the following recommendations were made to ensure good leadership and governance in every household in Yagba Land:
1. The establishment of a leadership training and mentoring program for emerging leaders.
2. A commitment to fostering unity and collaboration across political and social lines.
3. Promotion of effective communication between government officials and citizens.
4. Promotion of the Yagba Traditional Council under the jurisdiction of Oba Yagba, which would rotate among the three chairmen of the Traditional Councils of the three Local Government Areas.
This body will be funded by the office of the House of Representatives, the three House of Assembly members, and the three Council Chairmen, until it is gazetted by the State Government and ratified by the State House of Assembly.
5. Establishment of an annual ‘Yagba Cultural Day,’ where all cultures in Yagba Land will be showcased globally.
2.2. SECURITY CONCERNS
The issue of security was identified as a major concern for both citizens and visitors in Yagba Land. The summit highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing crimes such as kidnapping, community safety, and peacebuilding. Stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local leaders, and the public was emphasized.
Additional concerns discussed included border porosity, lack of personal safety education, the absence of a special squad to address kidnapping, the indiscriminate sale of land, and poor management of information related to past kidnapping incidents in Yagba Land.
2.3. RECOMMENDATIONS ON SECURITY CHALLENGES INCLUDES:
Considering the significant impact of kidnapping and other security issues, the summit made the following recommendations to ensure peace and well-being in Yagba Land:
1. Increased investment in community policing and collaboration with traditional leaders to foster trust.
2. Strengthening of security infrastructure, including more patrols and surveillance systems.
3. Education on conflict resolution and awareness campaigns to prevent violence and promote peace in the region.
4. The establishment of liaison channels between Yagba communities and neighboring communities in Ekiti Kwara Local Government Area, Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State, Ekiti North Local Government Area, Ikole Local Government Area in Ekiti State, and Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State.
5. A concerted effort to bring together all security agencies and traditional rulers under each local government chairman in Yagba Federal Constituency to formulate an intelligence-driven security framework to address the spate of kidnappings.
6. This security framework should focus on intelligence gathering across each local government area, utilizing information from previous kidnappings to:
Educate community members on situational awareness.
Train security agents.
Trace and bring kidnappers to justice.
7. Non-indigenes should be organized with a clear, logical framework or hierarchy. For instance:
Break down non-indigenes into tribes such as Hausa, Fulani, Bororo, Ebira, Tiv, etc.
Identify their leadership within the host communities.
8. Use technical surveillance, such as GPS, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, and drones, for tracking, along with informants, as part of security measures.
9. The deployment of a special squad to tackle kidnapping should be enforced to ensure societal safegoal
2.4. POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT:
The summit stressed the importance of political engagement at both the local and national levels. It was agreed that participatory democracy and active participation in the political process are essential for the realization of Yagba’s developmental goals.
2.5. RECOMMENDATIONS ON POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT INCLUDES:
Politics and development are inseparable in modern society, just as negative and positive wires are essential in electrification. In light of the importance of politics and development, the summit recommended the following actions to drive the political development of Yagba Land:
1. Encouragement of voter education and awareness to increase political participation.
2. Calls for greater transparency and accountability in local governance.
3. Advocacy for policies that prioritize the needs of Yagba, particularly in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
4. Adoption of a zoning arrangement for the nomination of candidates for the House of Representatives to prevent monopolization of the position.
5. Implementation of an educational program on zoning, power-sharing, rotation of power, and quota systems, as practiced at the federal and party levels.
6. Members of the House of Representatives from Yagba should regularly interact with their constituents and provide feedback on their activities.
7. The media and civil society organizations should assist in holding Yagba representatives accountable by scrutinizing and reporting their actions and performance.
8. Continued advocacy for the granting of full and comprehensive autonomy to local government councils.
9. Persistent calls for the establishment of a Local Government Electoral Commission responsible for conducting elections, as opposed to the state-independent electoral commission.
3.0. THE WAY FORWARD:
The summit concluded with a commitment to form a task force that will work to implement the proposed recommendations. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled in the near future to review progress and discuss further actions.
The Yagba Concerned Citizens are dedicated to creating an inclusive and prosperous future for all members of the constituency, with leadership, security, and political engagement as the pillars of sustainable development.
We call on all citizens of Yagba, as well as leaders at all levels, to work together in the spirit of unity, peace, and progress for the betterment of our community.
Signed:
Chief Olure Peter Olawale
Convener/Chairman, Yagba Concerned Citizens’ Leadership, Security, and Political Summit
Mr. Segun Arotiba
Secretary, Yagba Concerned Citizens’ Leadership, Security, and Political Summit.